Day 1: Wednesday 4th November
Arrival, Scenic Drive and Ferry Crossing
Meet at Glasgow airport around midday (see ‘Travel’ tab). Depart for the scenic drive, stopping for a group lunch in Inverary. Continue to Kennacraig for the 18.00 Calmac ferry to Islay (2 hour crossing). On arrival at Port Askaig transfer to Bowmore Cottages, our base for the next 4 nights.
Day 2: Thursday 5th November
Western Distilleries
Today kick off our program of distillery visits with a tour and tasting at Bruichladdich. Continue to Kilchoman on the west coast, for a tour, tasting and group lunch. Return to Bowmore Cottages. Free evening.
Day 3: Friday 6th November
Southern Distilleries
Today visit the 3 distilleries on the south coast of the island – Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroig. These are the most peaty, full-throttle, no-holds-barred Islay whiskies. There will be tastings at two of the distilleries, and a tasting and group lunch at the third. Late afternoon return to Bowmore Cottages. Free evening.
Day 4: Saturday 7th November
Eastern Distilleries
This morning head towards the north-east coast to Bunahabhain distillery for a tour and tasting. Continue to the village of Port Askaig for a group lunch. This afternoon head back to Bowmore for a tour and tasting at the distillery. For our final evening, get together in the Old Bakery Cottage with a group take-out dinner with a tasting of a couple of Caol Ila whiskies, and the local Real Ales.
Day 5: Sunday 8th November
Morning Ferry, Retrun to Glasgow and Departure
An earlyish departure from our accommodation to catch the 09.45 ferry (check in at 9.00) from Port Ellen back to Kennacraig on the mainland. Drive back towards Glasgow, stopping half way for a take-away sandwich lunch. Arrive back at Glasgow airport at around 16.00.
END OF TOUR
Please note that some distillery visits are subject to confirmation and we may need to change the order of the itinerary.
